Velvety voiced Marco Olivieri is trying his luck in the Swiss selection for the Eurovision 2011 with soulful Losing you. In this exclusive BlogIlkar interview he tells a bit more about himself.
First of all: Who is Marco Olivieri?
Mark Oliver is a songwriter born in a small and quiet Italian town near Milano called Vigevano, where I found the ideal conditions to inspire my music
Why Eurovision. Are you a Eurovision fan? Do you follow it every year? Do you have some favourite songs or performances?
To participate in the Eurovision song contest would be a dream for me. I followed it ever since I was little. My favourite songs are Vuelve Conmigo (Spain 1995 )and Keelatud Maa (Estonia 1997.) I recently enjoyed the Urban Symphony’s Rändajad (Estonia) in 2009 Eurovision
What don you think of Italy’s absence and do you think Italy will return in 2011 as RaiDue has let us believe?
I hope so. A country rich in musical culture like Italy can not miss an appointment like that. It would be a welcome return
First of all: Who is Marco Olivieri?
Mark Oliver is a songwriter born in a small and quiet Italian town near Milano called Vigevano, where I found the ideal conditions to inspire my music
Why Eurovision. Are you a Eurovision fan? Do you follow it every year? Do you have some favourite songs or performances?
To participate in the Eurovision song contest would be a dream for me. I followed it ever since I was little. My favourite songs are Vuelve Conmigo (Spain 1995 )and Keelatud Maa (Estonia 1997.) I recently enjoyed the Urban Symphony’s Rändajad (Estonia) in 2009 Eurovision
What don you think of Italy’s absence and do you think Italy will return in 2011 as RaiDue has let us believe?
I hope so. A country rich in musical culture like Italy can not miss an appointment like that. It would be a welcome return
You are not new to festivals: San Marino 2003, Saint Vincent 2004 (2nd with Cerco te, voglio te), Castrocaro 2004 (3rd) and Sanremo Giovani 2009 … and now Eurovision. Are you a competitive person? Can you tell us a bit more about these festivals?
I'm not competitive at all. At the beginning festivals were like a game. Then the many positive opinions of the public encouraged me, so I started to take the more difficult road. The highest point reached so far? I sang at the Festival of Castrocaro Terme live on RaiUno in 2004. I also tried the Sanremo Festival in 2009, but unfortunately I was eliminated in the semifinals with the song Al di la del Mare.
You have been singing with various groups or choirs, accapella and gospel. Tell us more.
I sang for five years in a vocal group called "4 In Harmony" with a few minor television appearance, then I sang for many years in two gospel choirs called "Inner Spirit" and "To the beat of the Spirit" as a tenor soloist and doing concerts all over Italy.
I'm not competitive at all. At the beginning festivals were like a game. Then the many positive opinions of the public encouraged me, so I started to take the more difficult road. The highest point reached so far? I sang at the Festival of Castrocaro Terme live on RaiUno in 2004. I also tried the Sanremo Festival in 2009, but unfortunately I was eliminated in the semifinals with the song Al di la del Mare.
You have been singing with various groups or choirs, accapella and gospel. Tell us more.
I sang for five years in a vocal group called "4 In Harmony" with a few minor television appearance, then I sang for many years in two gospel choirs called "Inner Spirit" and "To the beat of the Spirit" as a tenor soloist and doing concerts all over Italy.
You have released as Mark Soul Urban attitudes album that has gospel, r’n’b, two step and a lot of soul, and as Marco Olivieri you debut album Al di la del mare. You have also worked with some DJ’s providing vocals to some techno stuff. Which one is style you prefer yourself and which direction you plan to go?
I do not have a particular direction for my music. when I write and arrange the songs I let myself be guided by instinct and emotions that the song tells me at that moment ... also I am very emotional when I sing I try to give as much as possible my own feelings
You sing in Italian, English and French. If you win is there a chance we will hear Losing you in those languages, too?
Sure, why not! I can tell you that I have already written the text in Italian. For text in French, instead, you gave me a good idea :)
Have you thought what to do and how if (and when) you get to the Swiss final and beyond?
Honestly, I didn't even think. I hope this adventure will last as long as possible ...
I do not have a particular direction for my music. when I write and arrange the songs I let myself be guided by instinct and emotions that the song tells me at that moment ... also I am very emotional when I sing I try to give as much as possible my own feelings
You sing in Italian, English and French. If you win is there a chance we will hear Losing you in those languages, too?
Sure, why not! I can tell you that I have already written the text in Italian. For text in French, instead, you gave me a good idea :)
Have you thought what to do and how if (and when) you get to the Swiss final and beyond?
Honestly, I didn't even think. I hope this adventure will last as long as possible ...
You have also provided backing vocals to some other singers and even opened Tiziano Ferro’s concert. I know you are a big fan of Brian McKnight and Boyz II Men. Can you name some others? Do you know any Eurovision singers?
Yes, I opened the Tiziano Ferro concert in Novara, a great experience. Brian McKnight is my favourite singer, no doubt about it! I have all his CDs- Then I also like Boyz II Men, Jagged Edge, Javier Colon, Johnny Gill. Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to meet any Eurovision singers, I hope this is the right time!
Yes, I opened the Tiziano Ferro concert in Novara, a great experience. Brian McKnight is my favourite singer, no doubt about it! I have all his CDs- Then I also like Boyz II Men, Jagged Edge, Javier Colon, Johnny Gill. Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to meet any Eurovision singers, I hope this is the right time!
Thank you Marco for the interview and good luck with the Swiss selection!
Comments